Northeast students ‘Always in Uniform’ against drug, alcohol use

A dedicated group of students at Northeast High School have spent the past week raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. It’s just the latest effort by the club, Always in Uniform, which not only organizes activities at Northeast but outreach efforts at middle schools, as well.

The Always in Uniform leadership group planned numerous activities this week in conjunction with National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. There were clothing theme days, including on Tuesday when students were encouraged to dress like a teacher and vice versa. On Saturday, students are asked to wear pajamas to the Northeast girls and boys basketball games, then stay afterwards for a “fifth-quarter dance.”

Senior Hailegh Lowell, a member of the group’s leadership group, said student participation has been great and thinks her fellow Rockets are heeding the message: You are always representing Northeast High School - “Always in Uniform” - so don’t use drugs or alcohol if you want to show school pride.

“I think it’s definitely having an impact,” she said.

In October, Always in Uniform organized activities in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign to call attention to drug and alcohol abuse. Club members also have visited middle schools for demonstrations and to speak to students.

On Jan. 2, members of the leadership team met with Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler to discuss their plans for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week and to sign a proclamation. In addition to Lowell, the other members of the Always in Uniform leadership group are Annika Kuchar, Kaylie Hill, Reece Fuchs, Kyla Gushard, Aaron Haeffner, Laini Fullerton and Frankie Kohn.

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